Play Tobacco Free

Play at Lincoln Parks & Recreation areas tobacco free!

Providing quality outdoor recreational parks, facilities and activities for area residents has long been a priority for the City of Lincoln and many private partner organizations. Beginning November 1, 2012, residents will enjoy playing tobacco-free in most of the park areas and facilities owned and managed by the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. The primary purpose of the new policy is to protect children from the potential dangers of secondhand smoke while at play in City parks. The policy also provides adults the opportunity to be nontobacco using role models to youth on ball fields, in skate parks, and on playgrounds. The policy prohibits use of any form of tobacco products, i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chew or dip in any park areas or facilities designated as tobacco-free. This is a Parks and Recreation Department policy which will be self-enforced by park users. Although police and/or Park’s staff may ask the tobacco user to stop using tobacco products or leave the park property, tickets will not be issued. The intent is that residents willingly respect the policy and not use tobacco while enjoying Lincoln’s excellent parks and recreation areas. Tobacco-free park areas will be clearly identified by “Play Tobacco-free” signs. Specific park areas designated as tobacco-free include: playgrounds, skate parks, picnic shelters, swimming pools and splash parks including bathhouses and parking lots, Jim Ager (youth) Golf Course, ball fields and multi-use sports fields including concession buildings and surrounding areas, and the fenced area of Pinewood Bowl with the exception of a designated smoking area.

While this policy was established to enhance the public’s health, it also decreases litter in the parks and reduces risk of fire caused by discarded cigarette butts.